“One of the malfunctions of literary criticism is that it tends to create clothing patterns and then cut these patterns up to create garments. But that’s destroyed the books.”

Simplified Meaning:

When people criticize books, they often try to fit them into specific categories or patterns, like using a set pattern to make clothes. Imagine if every time you made a dress, you used the same measurements and design without thinking about whether it suited the fabric. This might result in a dress that doesn't look right or fit well because you're not considering what makes the fabric unique. In the same way, literary critics sometimes force books into predefined molds instead of appreciating what makes each book special. This can ruin the true essence and beauty of the story. For example, if a critic labels all detective novels as the same, they might overlook the unique twists and creativity in each author's writing. To avoid this, it’s important to understand and enjoy each book for its own merits rather than trying to pigeonhole it.